Kenya’s Emerging Stars head coach Ken Odhiambo has warned his charges against underrating Zimbabwe when the two sides face off in their final Group B fixture of the 23rd edition of COSAFA Cup at Isaac Wolfson Stadium, today, Tuesday.

The East African nation, who are participating in the tournament as a guest team, missed out on a chance to seal their semi-final spot after losing 2-0 against Comoros in their second group fixture on Sunday.

Kenya had kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 victory against champions and record winners Zambia. The defeat against Comoros courtesy of a double from striker Affane Said Djambae left the Emerging Stars third on the four-team table with three points.

Zimbabwe, who defeated Comoros 1-0 before smashing Zambia 3-0 are sitting at the top with a maximum of six points, Comoros second on three. At the same time, the Chipolopolo, have already been eliminated and will not be able to win a third successive title.

Speaking ahead of the fixture against Zimbabwe, Odhiambo said his charges are well prepared to bounce back but will not look down upon the Warriors, who are yet to concede a goal. “We cannot underrate Zimbabwe and we must come up with a perfect strategy to deal with them, we must be prepared because we need a win to stand a chance of reaching the semis, I want to discuss the game with my players, and I know they will be up for the task,” said Odhiambo.

“We all know that Zimbabwe have won their two matches, and we can only hope we play well and utilise our chances, we need to be clinical in front of the goal to achieve any success.”